November 2013 Auction Ends Thursday, November 21st, 5pm Pacific

Marcus Garvey Typed Letter Signed

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/21/2013

Marcus Garvey Typed Letter Signed. One page, 8.5'' x 11'', London, March 1935, appealing to Sarah McGehie of Bakersfield, California, for financial support of the Universal Negro Improvement Association shortly after the organization's headquarters moved to London. On letterhead reading, ''Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities' League,'' the letter reads in part: ''This is a direct appeal to you that is made with the hope of turning the tide of racial destiny at this particular time. You will not deny that our Organization. . . at one period of our race's history, created a world opinion that forced the Negro to the point of racial consciousness from which he has benefited universally. We are now to make the second grand move toward our racial destiny, and so the appeal is here made to you for immediate financial assistance. The International Headquarters of the U.N.I.A. have been removed to London, England, from where the new programme of universal advancement for the race will be launched to reach every section of the world. . . . Funds are urgently needed for the establishment and financing of the new Headquarters. . . . We do not expect you to fail us.'' Garvey founded the U.N.I.A., a black nationalist fraternal organization, in 1914. The organization reached its peak in the 1920s, but declined after Garvey was deported from the U.S. to Jamaica in 1927, following his conviction of mail fraud. Written in the top left margin is ''Miss S. McGehie's List.'' This letter is toned with minor separation along a lower fold. Boldly signed in blue ink. Also included is a lined sheet for ''Donations toward U.N.I.A. Headquarters,'' along with two brown envelopes: one is the transmittal envelope to Miss McGehie, postmarked Kingston, Jamaica, March 28, 1935 (torn and chipped); the other is a self-addressed envelope.